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A young architect at a prestigious Chicago firm, Bethany Quinn has built a life far removed from her trailer park teen years. Until an interruption from her estranged mother reveals that tragedy has struck in her hometown and a reluctant Bethany is called back to rural Iowa. Determined to pay her respects while avoiding any emotional entanglements, she vows not to stay long. But the unexpected inheritance of farmland and a startling turn of events in Chicago forces Bethany to come up with a new plan.

Handsome farmhand Evan Price has taken care of the Quinn farm for years. So when Bethany is left the land, he must fight her decisions to realize his dreams. But even as he disagrees with Bethany's vision, Evan feels drawn to her and the pain she keeps so carefully locked away.

For Bethany, making peace with her past and the God of her childhood doesn't seem like the path to freedom. Is letting go the only way to new life, love and a peace she's not even sure exists?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"In this novel rich in details and well-thought-out characters, Ganshert offers something for everyone: romance, secrets, a few laughs. The reader will come away with the knowledge that even in the arms of grief, hope emerges after loss."-Romantic Times

"Themes of loss and redemption, believable characters, and a realistic view of life's challenges make this debut a worthwhile, gut-wrenching read. Recommended for fans of Francine Rivers."-Library Journal

"Katie Ganshert knows how to wring the heart of a scene in order to place her reader within a character's pain and wonder.Wildflowers from Winter is a romantic beauty-from-ashes story - and a promising series starter from this debut author."-USA Today

Praise for Wildflowers from Winter

“From winter’s chill to the warm breath of spring, Wildflowers from Winter is a poignant and powerful tale of love, faith and hope through seasons of grief. A stunning debut, Katie Ganshert has penned a breathless journey that will steal both your heart and your sleep.”—Julie Lessman, award-winning author of The Daughters of Boston and Winds of Change series

“Katie Ganshert writes with a compelling mix of honesty and soul. With compassion and a keen eye for the dynamics of relationship, she wrestles with complex issues of love, freedom, and faith.”—Nicole Baart, bestselling author of Far From Here

“An impressive debut novel. Ganshert weaves a genuine story of love and forgiveness, family and friendship with simple but beautiful prose. She didn't just capture my interest with this story, she captured my heart. Well done!” —Rachel Hauck, award winning author of The Wedding Dress“Katie Ganshert’s debut novel is wonderfully and lyrically written. Don’t miss this refreshing new voice in book-club fiction for Christian readers.”—Susan Meissner, author A Sound Among the Trees and The Shape of Mercy

“Wildflowers from Winter offers characters displaying true-to-life emotions, a plot that engages the reader, and beautifully turned phrases. One of the best debut novels I’ve read.”—Richard L. Mabry, MD, author of The Tender Scar and the Prescription for Trouble series

“With a fresh voice, Ganshert grips you from page one and takes you on a soul-searching journey. Her characters, in all their imperfections, leap off the pages and into your heart. The richness of the story will move your faith and emotions, leaving the warmth of hope long after you finish the last page.”—Jody Hedlund, bestselling author of The Preacher’s Bride“Wildflowers from Winter will touch your heart and leave you longing for a more simple life—and more stories by this new author. Katie Ganshert has penned an impressive debut novel about family strife and going home again, even when it’s against your will. This tender story blends human drama and fragile relationships with true-to-life characters that will jump off the page and into your heart.”—Deborah Vogts, author of Snow Melts in Spring and Seeds of Summer

“What a powerful story! In Wildflowers from Winter, Katie Ganshert gives readers a very touching tale about the power of love and faith to heal a hurting heart. The cast of characters will grab hold of your heart from the first chapter and stay with you long after you turn the last page. The issues raised and their resolutions are realistic and thought provoking. Katie knows how to write a romance with deep emotion and meaning.”—Carrie Turansky, author of A Man To Trust and Surrendered Hearts

“As soft as new snow and as beautiful as a field of flowers, Wildflowers from Winter is a refreshing and illuminating journey from anger and doubt to understanding and peace. Once you meet the characters of Peaks, IA, you won’t want to say goodbye.”—Erica Vetsch, author of A Bride’s Portrait of Dodge City, Kansas

“Beautifully drawn characters will win your heart from page one of this poignant story, lingering in your mind when you've finished. It's a tale of loss and sorrow and of dreams redeemed. Novel Rocket and I give it a very high recommendation.”—Ane Mulligan, Sr. Editor Novel Rocket

About the Author

Award-winning author, Katie Ganshert, graduated from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a degree in education, and worked as a fifth grade teacher for several years before staying home to write full-time. She was born and raised in the Midwest, where she lives with her family. When she's not busy penning novels or spending time with her people, she enjoys drinking coffee with friends, reading great literature, and eating copious amounts of dark chocolate. You can learn more about Katie and her books by visiting her website, katieganshert.com.

Top customer reviews

I have to say this novel grabbed my attention and held it throughout. In fact, I probably would have rated it higher, except through the first half of the novel I really didn't care for our heroine. Although, this adds to the story and the character buildup, as well as relations, it just bugged me.

However, let that not deter you from reading this novel! It is well worth the read. I found myself still thinking about it later that night and this morning. And I am so excited that this novel isn't the end, and cannot wait to begin Ganshert's next novel and pick up with these characters again! This is a wonderful debut novel and I look forward to reading more from this author. Her characters are well developed, and the story is about so much more that just romance, there is a greater story at work. One where the Truth is woven in and done so in a way that just flows.

Okay, I honestly can't think to write anymore right now because I am so hyped up to start the followup novel! That in itself should tell you enough!

Many times I finish a novel, heave a contented sigh, close the book, and move on. Other times I reach the end and find myself so impacted by the story I've just read that I know I'll be thinking about it for days to come and will still remember the book years later. Wildflowers from Winter by Katie Ganshert is definitely the latter.

Ganshert drew me in from the start with her engaging voice, flawed but lovable characters, and clever handling of some challenging subject matter. This isn't a lighthearted read; it's a story with a lot of heart. Although Ganshert's characters deal with loss, there is hope as they experience healing and learn to lean on the Lord as their source of strength. I smiled. I cried. And yes, I sighed. While this story focuses primarily on the journey of Ganshert's strong but fragile architect heroine, Bethany Quinn, the farmhand hero, sensible and steady Evan Price, is a wonderfully drawn counterpart for her, setting the stage for a romance that's deliciously satisfying and believable. The faith element of the story is masterfully crafted and will speak to many readers' hearts.

While a contemporary romance with women's fiction elements is not my normal read, Ganshert's story was a delightful surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend Wildflowers from Winter and am eagerly awaiting her next story, Wishing on Willows.

Did you ever wish in the middle of a cold and biting winter, that you could just sit and enjoy a field of wildflowers? Katie Ganshert takes us on a journey of finding the beautiful in the middle of a messy situation.This story was well written, with depth-filled characters. You will enjoy a rekindled friendship, a budding romance that teeters on the fence amidst a difficult situation, and a story that reminds us that we are never so far from God that He cannot reach his hand out to us.

Wildflowers from Winter is a fabulous read. I want to warn readers that they should read this book before Wishing on Willows, as that one follows this book. I love Katie Ganshert. She's a real talented writer. I can't wait to read more by her.5 stars.

I started reading this while walking on my treadmill early one morning. I knew I was hooked on the story and the characters when I realized I had walked 5 miles. I didn't want to stop reading or walking. In fact, I read every chance I could get! I loved the way the story unfolded. And the characters were rich, complicated and sometimes not very likeable. There was forgiveness, discovery, and renovated hearts. Every layer that was peeled back revealed the cracks in the defensive walls we all build and how God can change everything with His love and grace. It is hard to believe that this is a debut novel. I will be looking forward to reading more novels from Katie Ganshert!

With all the raving reviews I really wanted toIike this book. I forced myself to finish it to see what the rave was about. Unfortunately, it was not a good read for me. It didn't even start getting good until about the last 50 pages. Obviously, I'm the exception since it is well liked by others.

Halfway through this book, I stopped and told my daughter, "Katie Ganshert is Michelangelo with words."

I'm in total awe! Her main character, Bethany Quinn, is terribly realistic. I say terribly because she alternates between sweet and self-absorbed. She proves easy to identify with (I hate to admit) but not always easy to like. Her personal agendas and hidden pain provide many of the conflicts in the story.

But those same flaws make her real. Keep her true to her character throughout the story. And though the story, for the most part, is told in third-person, Ganshert's delve into 1st person flashbacks are masterful. The connection to Bethany Quinn strengthens as each layer rolled back.

The hero with a past, Evan Price gives a good balance to Bethany, but I really connect with her best friend, Robin, and look forward to reading more about her - hopefully in future books!